Acurite ResQLink GPS Personal Locator Beacon: 27 Essential Features for Safe Travel

If you spend significant time outdoors or engage in water-related activities, having a reliable personal locator beacon is crucial for safety. Our recommended device, the ACR ResQLink GPS Personal Locator Beacon, combines robust features like built-in GPS and voice messaging capabilities into a compact, water-resistant package. This comprehensive review examines its performance, ease of use, and value as a safety essential.

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Reviews

ACR 2886 AISLink Mob Beacon

This beacon works wonders for staying safe on the water. Connecting to GPS for pinpoint location, it clips easily onto your life jacket and can warn ships with AIS systems in seconds. The built-in light shows up brightly in an emergency, and it keeps going for days on its batteries.

ACR ResQLink PLB 410 with Return Link Service

The ResQLink 410 RLS packs powerful survival features like GPS tracking and 24-hour operational life into a shockingly small package that fits in your pocket without adding bulk. Its bright blue return signal light and dual-strobe emergency lights cut through the darkest nights, while built-in buoyancy ensures you’re spotted from the sky no matter where you land. The included protective pouch and simple setup make it a no-brainer for anyone who ventures beyond civilization’s reach.

ACR ResQLink 410 PLB

This compact PLB pairs reliable GPS positioning with powerful 406 MHz signaling for quick rescues, while its built-in strobe and IR strobe light up the darkest conditions. The Return Link Service constantly updates users on their distress message’s status, and the blue-light confirmation is a reassuring touch when every second counts. With robust lithium batteries and waterproof construction, it’s designed to perform in harsh environments from -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C).

ACR PLB ResQLink 400 with OLAS Tag

The ACR PLB ResQLink 400 combines essential safety features with intuitive design. At just 0.65 pounds, the buoyant beacon provides peace of mind without added bulk. When paired with the ACR OLAS Tag, this system transforms basic GPS coordinates into a precise recovery aid, detecting and locating incidents with remarkable speed and accuracy.

ACR ResQLink 2881 PLB Rental

Rented this floatation version of the ACR ResQlink PLB 2881? It’s a flat rate deal that comes with raft rental costs. Need to know the daily rate? Give the office a call—seems like renting separately is an option.

ACR Olas Crew Tag with Strap

The ACR OLAS Tag combines a compact design with sophisticated marine safety features. Its IP67 waterproof rating and long battery life make it reliable for both casual and professional boaters. When paired with the ACR OLAS app, it provides quick alerts if a tagged person or object moves out of range, helping ensure that no one is left undiscovered in the water.

ACR ResQLink View RLS GPS Buoyant PLB

When disaster strikes in remote wilderness or at sea, every second counts. This compact emergency beacon packs GPS location capabilities into a waterproof, floatable design that helps rescue teams find you quickly. Whether you’re camping deep in the wilderness or sailing the ocean, knowing this reliable friend is watching over you provides real peace of mind.

ACR GlobalFix V5 Cat 2 GPS AIS EPIRB

This upgraded EPIRB features ACR’s Return Link Service for confirmed distress message receipt and integrates an AIS alert for rapid rescue. The smartphone-compatible beacon displays its status and provides valuable information through the accompanying app. Built for maritime safety, it combines robust positioning with thoughtful features like a built-in homing signal and strobe light for when you really need help.

ACR GlobalFix V5 AIS EPIRB Survival Kit

This comprehensive survival kit combines cutting-edge technology with practical essentials, including an AIS EPIRB beacon and a floating Ditchbag. The package also features reliable signaling devices like strobe lights and a signal mirror, giving you multiple ways to attract attention in an emergency. Whether you’re a weekend sailor or a long-distance cruiser, this kit provides the peace of mind you need on the water.

Acr Electronics Resqlink View Safety Kit

When you’re hit with a sudden storm or lost at sea, having the right rescue tools can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. That’s why every adventurous sailor and outdoors enthusiast should pack the ResQLink View and ResQFlare Premium Safety Kit. Certified to meet U. S. Coast Guard requirements, the combination of the GPS beacon and electronic flare provides unparalleled safety while eliminating the hassles of traditional pyrotechnics. This lightweight kit packs expert-level rescue capabilities in one convenient package, giving you peace of mind no matter where your adventures take you.

Acr Electronics ResQLink 410 RLS with Canada Programming Kit

This compact personal locator beacon packs serious rescue capabilities into a surprisingly light and portable package. The water-resistant design floats and withstands harsh conditions, while the included Return Link Service sends a confirmation message that your distress signal was received. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or just exploring the great outdoors, this beacon gives you peace of mind with its proven reliability and straightforward setup.

ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon

The ResQLink 400 is a compact personal locator beacon that combines GPS technology with powerful radio signals to quickly locate you in an emergency. At just 9 inches tall, the beacon fits easily into packs or pockets, with a versatile clip system that lets you attach it almost anywhere. Its simple design requires just two steps: open the antenna and press the ON button. The built-in strobe and emergency mirror help rescuers spot you even in challenging conditions. With a proven track record in both quiet and rugged environments, this beacon provides peace of mind for outdoor enthusiasts while keeping setup stress to a minimum.

Acr Electronics Resqlink View 425 Personal Locator Beacon Kit

This all-new Base PLB Safety Kit brings together an essential 406 MHz emergency beacon with comprehensive rescue aids in a weatherproof design for outdoor adventures. The included ResQLink 425 beacon pairs with a dry-bag containing a C-Strobe rescue light, Res-Q whistle, and signal mirror, giving you multiple ways to draw attention in an emergency. The compact kit packs down small enough to attach to your gear while keeping you safe in remote or stormy conditions.

ACR ResQLink View GPS Personal Locator Beacon

The ResQLink View is more than a personal locator beacon; it’s a versatile safety tool designed to keep you connected to rescue networks globally. Its smart features like real-time GPS tracking and integrated strobe lights make emergency situations more manageable, giving rescuers precise coordinates and visible distress signals. The sleek design fits comfortably in pockets or clips to gear, while the durable build and long-lasting battery provide peace of mind for outdoor enthusiasts tackling remote terrain.

ACR ResQLink View PLB

This compact personal locating beacon packs impressive durability into a surprisingly small package. Thanks to its water-resistant design and robust construction, it can handle whatever wilderness adventure you throw at it – whether you’re hiking through remote trails or boating on open water.

ACR 2881 ResQLink Plus PLB

Weighing just 5.4 ounces and measuring 4.5 inches tall, the ResQLink+ clips discreetly into a pocket or attaches to a life jacket. Its compact size doesn’t sacrifice functionality - the beacon combines GPS positioning, 406 MHz distress signals, and 121.5 MHz homing capabilities to transmit your exact location to search and rescue satellites. The built-in strobe light and water-resistant design make it a reliable addition to any emergency kit, as proven by its successful rescues in Alaska and the positive feedback from users who rely on it for peace of mind while boating, hunting, or hiking.

ACR GlobalFix V6 EPIRB with Return Link Service Mobile App

The ACR GlobalFix V6 gives you peace of mind with its reliable digital Mayday signal and simple maintenance through Near Field Communication (NFC). This Category 2 EPIRB combines advanced features like Return Link Service with straightforward self-tests, making it an essential piece of safety equipment for any vessel. Whether you’re coastal cruising or working offshore, this versatile beacon gives you the confidence to pursue your adventure knowing help is just a signal away.

ACR Olas Float-On Light

The ACR OLAS Float-On is a versatile safety tool that cleverly combines an LED flashlight, water-activated strobe, and mobile app integration into a compact package weighing just 2.3 ounces. When its virtual tether is broken, the app immediately alerts and tracks your location, while the water sensor-activated strobe lights up for up to 20 hours, visible for miles in the dark. At 12 inches long and 9 inches wide, it’s designed to be worn on adults, children, pets, or flotation devices, with the mobile app able to track up to six different transmitters from a single device.

ACR GlobalFix V6 RLS EPIRB Survival Kit

The ACR GlobalFix V6 RLS EPIRB survival kit revolutionizes marine safety with its FCC-approved technology and waterproof design. The kit’s star feature is the ResQLink 410 RLS beacon, which combines GPS location data with satellite communication for faster rescue responses. When trouble strikes, the Firefly PRO Waterbug strobe light and HemiLight3 rescue beacon light up the scene, while the WW-3 whistle and signal mirror provide essential auditory and visual alerts. The RapidDitch Express bag keeps everything dry and secure until it’s time to deploy, making this kit a no-nonsense solution for boaters of all skill levels.

McMurdo FastFind 220 Personal Locator Beacon

The McMurdo FastFind 220 PLB packs powerful emergency capabilities into an impressively compact design. At just 3 inches tall, this robust beacon combines a reliable 406 MHz satellite signal with a waterproof build that stands up to harsh conditions. Thanks to its long-lasting 24-hour battery and simple operation, you can stay connected to rescue services even in the most remote locations.

ACR ResQLink 406 GPS Personal Locator Bead

The ResQLink 406 GPS PLB packs impressive life-saving capabilities into an incredibly compact package that’s surprisingly light at just 4.6 ounces. Twice as powerful as similar devices, its built-in GPS helps search and rescue locate you quickly, while its reliable satellite connection keeps working through bad weather. Waterproof and with five watts of power, it broadcasts your location from up to 16 feet - giving you vital peace of mind in almost any wilderness or maritime situation.

ACR ResQLink AIS GPS Personal Location Beacon PLB-450

The ResQLink AIS packs a lot of safety features into a small package. It pairs with both local boats and global rescue services, has a clever life jacket attachment system, and can pair with your phone using NFC. When you activate it, it sends out an SOS signal that local ships can see through something called AIS technology. The beacon lasts for over a day on a single charge, giving you plenty of time to get help if you’re in trouble at sea.

ACR PLB ResQLink View 425 Survival Kit

The ACR PLB ResQLink View 425 paired with the OLAS Tag creates a comprehensive survival kit for both recreational and commercial boaters. The Personal Locator Beacon features a built-in digital display, LED battery life indicator, and multi-constellation GPS receiver. When deployed, it guides rescuers to within 100 meters of your position, with an operational life of 28 hours and a five-year warranty. The buoyant OLAS Tag helps locate you if you end up in the water, ensuring you’re never too far from help.

ACR ResQLink 400 Survival Kit

This compact survival kit packs a powerful punch with its built-in GPS and 121.5 MHz frequencies, while the RapidDitch dry bag keeps your essentials safe and dry. The combination of LED strobe light, signal mirror, and waterproof design gives you multiple ways to grab attention in an emergency. Whether you’re canoeing, mountaineering, or exploring the great outdoors, the ResQLink 400 is a top-tier choice for serious adventurers who prioritize safety.

ACR ResQLink 435 View RLS Personal Locator Beacon

Featuring Return Link Service (RLS) functionality and a durable design, the ResQLink View RLS combines professional-grade GPS tracking with a compact, water-resistant body that floats effortlessly on the surface. The digital display and built-in strobe lighting system provide crucial visual and audio signals in emergency situations, while the long-lasting battery life and subscription-free operation offer peace of mind for boaters, hikers, and adventurers alike.

ACR ResQLink View 425 Survival Kit

When you’re in the backcountry or at sea, this tiny survival gadget transforms your smartphone into a powerful emergency beacon. The built-in GPS tracks your location and beams it to rescuers within 100 meters, while the OLED display shows your coordinates and battery life. The LED strobe and signal mirror help attract attention on dark nights or through thick fog – because when it comes to safety, every second counts.

ACR Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator

The ACR Bivy Stick turns your smartphone into a satellite communicator with global coverage via Iridium. It handles basic features well, like two-way text messaging and location sharing, plus it’s handy for checking weather and getting emergency help with just one touch. The dedicated phone number feature is a smart addition that lets important messages through even when you’re not actively using the device.

Buyer’s Guide

When selecting a GPS personal locator beacon, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you choose a device that meets your needs for safety and reliability. The Acr Electronics Resqlink GPS Personal Locator Beacon is a popular choice, offering a range of features that can help you stay safe during outdoor activities. This buyer’s guide will help you understand the essential characteristics of these devices and how to make an informed selection.

GPS Integration

Reliable GPS functionality is fundamental for a personal locator beacon. Look for devices that provide accurate location data and update coordinates frequently. The Resqlink, for example, uses GPS to track your position and transmit it to rescue services.

SOS Features and Activation

Most personal locator beacons offer an SOS function to quickly alert emergency services. Consider how you’ll initiate the distress signal - some devices require manual activation, while others may have an automatic feature that triggers under certain conditions. The Resqlink has an SOS button and can automatically send a distress signal if the device detects immersion in water.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery capacity and runtime are crucial for personal locator beacons. The Resqlink, like many similar devices, runs on a single AA battery that should provide several days of operation in normal use. Consider how the device handles low battery conditions and whether it includes any power-saving features.

Size, Weight, and Durability

Personal locator beacons need to be compact enough to carry while being robust enough to survive rough conditions. The Resqlink is a small, lightweight device that floats and has weather-resistant construction, making it suitable for various outdoor environments.

FAQ

What is the Resqlink GPS Personal Locator Beacon?

The ResQLink GPS Personal Locator Beacon is a compact emergency signaling device that uses GPS technology to broadcast your exact location when activated. In case of distress, it allows rescue services to find you quickly and accurately.

Available in three models - GPS, GPS Premium, and GPS Premium+. Each version offers enhanced features like longer battery life, improved water resistance, and additional distress signals for better coverage.

How does the ResQLink work?

When activated, the ResQLink continuously broadcasts your GPS coordinates at 50-second intervals on four international distress frequencies. This allows search and rescue teams to locate you using compatible equipment.

The device automatically switches to the optimal frequency based on your surroundings, improving reception in various environments. It also has manual signal control for prioritizing your location broadcast.

What are the main differences between models?

The GPS model provides basic emergency location capabilities, while the GPS Premium adds improved water resistance to 3 meters and includes a built-in float. The GPS Premium+ offers all features plus 48 hours of battery life and dual distress signaling modes.

Each successive model builds upon the previous, adding features like increased reliability, longer battery operation, and enhanced environmental protection to meet a range of user needs.

How long does the battery last?

The GPS model runs for 28 hours on a single charge, while the GPS Premium offers up to 48 hours with improved power management. The GPS Premium+ provides the longest runtime at 72 hours for extended survival situations.

Battery life can be extended by reducing signal transmission intervals in the menu, though this will also reduce overall operational time. Proper maintenance and regular testing help ensure reliable performance during emergencies.

What is the signal range?

Under ideal conditions, the ResQLink can transmit signals up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 kilometers). However, tree cover, mountains, and urban environments can significantly reduce effective range.

The device automatically selects the optimal frequency for your location, switching between 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz, 406 MHz, and 406.028 MHz as needed to maintain communication with rescue units.

How can I test the ResQLink?

Use the included base station to test the device’s functionality and verify signal transmission. The base station simulates a rescue unit’s reception capabilities to ensure reliable operation.

You can also test the beacon’s visual and audio alerts to confirm proper operation of its built-in horn and strobe light. Regularly checking the device’s status and following maintenance recommendations helps ensure it remains operational.

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